SMB’s are realizing that web is a powerful tool to run their businesses. Needing very low capital to start off in this medium, online advertising and marketing has grown by leaps and bounds with the advancement in technology and new selling methods. The article looks at some of the web marketing trends expected in the year 2012.
According to a study, more than 60% of web users now rely on feedback, ratings and reviews given by consumers for knowing about a product, business or service. 33 percent users expect to find such information in their search. If not found, they begin to question the visibility and credibility of the organization. So it is essential that SMB’s encourage as many product and service reviews by customers on the web to look good in the market.
Another major trend is the use of cloud computing. Organizations are always looking at ways to gain more access to advanced technology and resources at reduced costs. Cloud computing offers these benefits. Rather than keeping your data in a local server in separately allocated room, established programmes like Dropbox can be used as a host to store and manage your data. This makes it easier to access and edit them anytime anywhere with the only requirement is having an internet connection. This makes cloud computing business friendly since itlowers the cost and can help in mass storage as the business grows.
With more SMB’s going online, a weak security systems usually makes them an easy prey to hackers. This makes it inevitable to to secure their sites by setting up strong security mechanisms like firewalls and constant password changing.
SMB’s are also entering into the Apps world in a big way as they realize its profit potential by being able to efficiently carry out tasks in a quick and easy manner. Companies can keep track of the purchase history and create expense reports using apps like Shoeboxed and Expensify. Quickbooks and Freshbooks help them in making invoices and keeping their balances in check. Such application adoptions offer great growth potential. These utility apps can also help in branding SMB’s as well as create a feeling of ‘user friendly products and services’ in the market.
